[Al] How it all went down

I’ve been so busy as of late, I have yet to update my blog. I know I’m a bad blogger, forgive me for I have sinned. I just take for granted that everyone knows what’s been going on and of course that is silly. So here it is.

I’m extremely happy, excited, and scared all in the same time. To back track some, I found out that I’d been chosen, and was flown by PRX to Minneapolis, for the announcement it was a great trip and I got to meet two of the other contestants. They were excellent people. I was a little sad that I didn’t get to meet all of the contestants, we all created a bond it would have been nice to party with all ten. The people who ran the contest were a blast. I had so much fun, and I got to meet some of the people in public radio that I love. Diane Rhem was first and foremost. The only way I can describe her is majestic. It felt like I was hanging out with the queen of Public Radio. She was so warm and gracious.

I also met Tory Malatia, who was extremely gracious when the nerd-boy in my came out, and I was like, “YOU’RE TORY MALATIA!” He responded calmly, “Yes, I am”. I’ve been hearing his name so much on this American Life I felt like I knew him, which of course I don’t, hell, I don’t even really know what he does as the manager of BEZ, but it was still a big deal to me.

Several of the Talent Questers were there, although I’m drawing a blank on their names. The whole thing was a little overwhelming. In a good way, except having to come back home so quick. I wish I’d been able to hang around a little more, I felt like I could have learned a lot. I made many connections, that hopefully will come of some use down the road.

I came back the next day to J-ville, and the news got out everywhere. It’s weird to be a celebrity, in your home city, when you know that you still the broke artist you were before the notoriety, and probably will be afterwards.. I’m not knocking it. It was nice for people to congratulate me. I don’t feel big headed about it, although, the quotes the newpaper used from me, seemed like my head had swollen. I need to not be so open in interviews and watch what I say, because the way I say it, and the way it looks on page, are two totally different things. Lesson learned (again) move forward.

When I told some of my closest friends that I’d won, some of them cried. I can’t tell you how much this moved me. I’ve always known this, but I’m on a journey and I’ve been blessed to have such wonderful people be apart of that team. If I named them all here, the list would be too long. But I couldn’t have done half the stuff that I’ve done without them in my corner. So winning this, yeah I did a lot of hard work, but the people around me also sacrificed and struggled and helped me in ways that I can’t even begin to thank them for.

If this post seems somewhat Pollyanna-ish, it’s because it is. I won. That’s a dream it doesn’t even seem possible and yet it is.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg